I'm visiting Kathmandu in mid april with my 7 year old son, and I would like to know what is not to miss in such a short time. I'll be there for three days.<BR><BR>Thanks,

You must go to Durbar Square and see all the amazing temples and architecture. Right beside the square is the Kumari Bahal, which is the home of the Living Goddess, Kumari Devi. When you enter the courtyard of the Kumari Bahal, you will see a small window in front of you. If you clap your hands and make an offering, the goddess will come to the window for just a second. She is a young girl dressed in red with kohl-rimmed eyes. When this girl gets older she retires and they find a new goddess to take her place. My friend told me it is a great honor to be the Living Goddess and the young girl has a computer, TV, and gets a pension when she retires. You also can witness much erotic art (maybe just for your eyes and not for your son) on some buildings, such as Jagannath Temple. Another place to go is the

the area where the Tibetan exhiles reside called Bodhnath. Here you can see the Tibetan culture unhindered. There are many wonderful handicraft shops around the Bodhnath and shopping here helps support the Tibetan community.

If possible, visit the village of Baktapur, which is about 10 miles by public bus from Kath. It's a very old looking place and lacks the big city crush that makes Kathmandu somewhat unpleasant.<BR><BR>Sadly, the air quality will be Monsoon-hazy, so you won't see the mountains unless you take one of the Everest Flights. Buddha Air was the one I took for about $109 cash, and it was definitely worth it to me to see Everest out the window of the plane.

Thanks John G. and Owen. All your suggestions sound great. I specially like the idea of Bodhnath. We'd actually love to go to Tibet, but since that's not going to happen, I guess it's the next best thing. And getting a sight of Everest, well, perfect.<BR><BR>One question, thought. How do you get from Katmandu to Bodnath? And is this a good place to stay overnight?<BR><BR>Thanks for all the help.<BR>

Definately visit Bhaktapur. The main square is so beautiful. One of the best in the entire world. I wouldn't bother with the Mt. Everest flight. You don't get close at all. It's way in the distance. With 3 days, skip it. You can cover alot in 3 days.

Bodnath is in Kathmandu, just north of the airport. I stayed in Kathmandu and went by private car to Bodnath. It didn't take that long, maybe 30 minutes?<BR><BR>My friends took the Shangri-La flight to see Everest and they said it was VERY disappointing. Like the above poster said, you don't get very close to the mountains.<BR><BR>Oh, and things are so cheap in Nepal I think I paid $20 for the private car for 2 hours.

$20 for 2 hr ride thru Kathmandu???<BR>You were ripped off dude...<BR><BR>Just hire a taxi to go from point-to-point.<BR>For example, it costs around 175 rupees or $2.50 to ride from Kathmandu Guest House to Bodnath (takes about 15 minutes thru the streets..it's very easy)<BR><BR>The cab driver will try to charge double the rate...so when he gives you a rate, just negotiate half. (ie. driver says 350 rupees, you ask for 175.<BR><BR>Bhaktapur is nice too, but there are guards posted at the entranceways who will extort money from you. They are now charging an outrageous entrance fee.<BR>Actually, they're charging entrance fees to ALL of the PUBLIC tourist spots!<BR><BR>Bodnath, i have to agree, is a must-see...I felt at peace there.<BR><BR>Also check out Swayambunath, Pashupatinath, Patan, Changu Narayan..etc,<BR>

The car was air conditioned and I think it was a Mercedes. Anyhow, $20 means nothing to me.